Former New York Jets HC Robert Saleh wanted to make a major coaching change before being fired

The New York Jets’ decision to release Robert Saleh wasn’t that much of a surprise.

From one perspective, the head coach, now in his third year, didn’t do what was expected of him when he took over. On the other hand, it is unfair to judge him too harshly given the talent bestowed upon him during this period.

The Jets offense was a dumpster fire under Saleh. There shouldn’t be anyone who would even argue against it.

However, it is also fair to note that throughout his tenure he has had to deal with Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, Mike White and the aging Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

Realistically, is there a coach in the NFL who would have had success with that quarterback room? Probably not, but that’s just part of the deal.

Considering how bad offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has been in his two seasons, that adds to the problems the offense has faced in recent seasons.

Although it was their decision to fire Saleh, not getting rid of Hackett was much more surprising.

Owner Woody Johnson told reporters that firing Saleh would help them have the best chance of winning a Super Bowl.

“This is one of the most talented teams ever assembled by the New York Jets,” Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. “I want to give the team the best possible chance to win this season. [so] I feel like we had to go in a different direction.

However, not firing Hackett would suggest he doesn’t believe his words.

When talking about Hackett, it’s important to mention his connection to Rodgers.

And for anyone who thinks Rodgers had no say in Saleh’s firing, the chance that he did is about 1%.

Rodgers is in charge in New York, whether people want to admit it.

That’s what makes it so strange that they’re keeping Hackett over Saleh.

Interestingly, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Saleh wanted to fire Hackett before he was fired on Tuesday.

“Shortly before he was fired as head coach of the New York Jets, Robert Saleh seriously considered firing offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, sources tell CBS Sports.”

There seems to be more going on behind the scenes that no one not in the building would understand.

If there are a few more weeks of poor offensive performance, the excuses will eventually dry up. Frankly, they already did. At the end of the day, the guys have to improve, and they don’t have that in the offensive side of the football.

However, if nothing changes, it’s safe to say that Hackett could be on his way out at some point, whether that bothers Rodgers or not.